Walking Stick

ABSTRACT

Provided is a walking stick including an elongated shaft having a waste receptacle oriented along its length. The waste receptacle and may house various articles, including new and used fecal matter waste bags. The walking stick may offer walking support to dog walkers and aid in the disposal of fecal matter produced by the dog. In one embodiment, a walking stick is provided, the walking stick including: an elongated shaft having: a first body, the first body terminated by a first end; a second body, the second body terminated by a second end; a handle, the handle mounted on the first end; a foot, the foot mounted on a terminal end at or near the second end; a waste receptacle, the waste receptacle located medially along the elongated shaft and bisecting the first body and the second body.

BACKGROUND

Adequate exercise for a pet, for example, a dog, is commonly achieved by the dog's owner taking the dog for a walk. Often times a dog will relieve itself in public areas while on a walk. Many local ordinances and common courtesy require that the dog's owner retrieves the fecal matter left by the dog. Accordingly, dog owners typically carry along a bag in order to retrieve and dispose of the dog excrements. However, the dog owner must then carry the bag containing the fecal matter in his/her hand or pocket for the remainder of the walk, which is unpleasant.

Given that exercise is required to maintain a healthy and sometimes non-destructive dog, many people with poor joints, including the elderly and/or disabled, refrain from owning a dog because they are unable to fulfill the exercise needs of the dog. Often times such people enlist the use of a cane to alleviate some of the discomfort or unsteadiness of daily walking

What is needed is a device to provide a user with an apparatus to aid in the disposal of dog excrements while on a walk. The device may remove the need to directly carry a used bag and may also remove the need to remember to bring along a bag. In addition, the device may provide walking support for a user with walking difficulties and/or to assist users who choose to walk their pets through inclined terrain, as typically found in many hiking trails. A walking stick equipped with one or more storage compartment may accomplish this need.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a walking stick is provided, the walking stick comprising: an elongated shaft comprising: a first body, the first body terminated by a first end; a second body, the second body terminated by a second end; a handle, the handle mounted on the first end; a foot, the foot mounted on a terminal end at or near the second end; a waste receptacle, the waste receptacle located medially along the elongated shaft and bisecting the first body and the second body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, together with the detailed description provided below, describe example embodiments of the claimed invention. In the figures, like elements bear like reference numerals.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a walking stick 100 with a waste receptacle in a closed state.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of walking stick 100 with a waste receptacle in a closed state.

FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of walking stick 100 with a waste receptacle in a partially opened state.

FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of walking stick 100 with a waste receptacle in a closed state.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of a walking stick 200 with a waste receptacle in a closed state.

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of an example embodiment of walking stick 200 with a waste receptacle in a closed state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D illustrate example embodiments of a walking stick 100.

Walking stick 100 may include an elongated shaft 102. Elongated shaft 102 may be comprised of any of a variety of materials, including for example an aluminum, titanium, metal alloy, magnesium, carbon fiber, fiberglass, an aramid polymer, or thermoplastic polyethylene composition, wood, and the like.

Elongated shaft 102 may be of any length. Elongated shaft 102 may be at least about 80 cm. In one embodiment, elongated shaft 102 may be about 102 cm in length. Elongated shaft 102 may be up to about 115 cm in length.

Elongated shaft 102 may include a first body 104. First body 104 may be solid. First body 104 may be hollow. First body 104 may include a first end 106. First end 106 may be a proximal end.

Elongated shaft 102 may include a handle 108. Handle 108 may be mounted to first end 106 of first body 104. Handle 108 may be substantially parallel to first body 104 and elongated shaft 102. Handle 108 may be substantially angled with respect to elongated shaft 102. Handle 108 may be substantially curved relative to first body 104. The curvature of handle 108 may resemble the curvature of a typical walking cane.

Handle 108 may include one or more of a proximal end stop 109 and a distal end stop 111. Proximal end stop 109 and distal end stop 111 may be greater in diameter than handle 108.

Handle 108 may include a grip 110. Grip 110 may include one or more of a plurality of indentations configured to accept one or more fingers. Grip 110 may include a textured material. Grip 110 may include any of a variety of materials, including for example, a rubber, a polymer, a metal, an alloy, a composite, and the like. Grip 110 may include a resilient material. Grip 110 may be configured to be gripped by a user's hand during use of walking stick 100.

Handle 108 may include a securing strap 112. Securing strap 112 may be selectively unsecured by a release element 114. Release element 114 may include complementary clasps, snaps, buttons, hook and loop patches, and the like. Release element 114 may include an interlocking clasp, the interlocking clasp may include a female joint 116 and a male joint 118. One or more of female joint 116 and male joint 118 may include an adjustment element 120. Adjustment element 120 may be of a belt-like configuration and allow for securing strap 112 to be adjusted in length. Securing strap 112 may be configured to extend about at least a portion of a user's hand, wrist, arm, or the like during use of walking stick 100.

Elongated shaft 102 may include a terminal end 121. Elongated shaft 102 may include a second body 122. Second body 122 may be solid. Second body 122 may be hollow. Second body 122 may include a second end 124.

Second body 122 may include an end insert 126. Second end 124 may be configured to slidably accept end insert 126. End insert 126 may include a foot 128. End insert 126 may be sized to extend within a portion of the interior of second body 122. End insert 126 may be sized to extend about a portion of the exterior of second body 122.

Alternatively, terminal end 121 may include foot 128 (no end insert; i.e., terminal end 121 may be the same as second end 124 and void of end insert 126). Foot 128 may be removable to expose a foot spike (not shown) to aid in traction, pick up trash, defend oneself, and the like.

Second body 122 may include a plurality of eyelets 130, as shown in FIG. 1B. End insert 126 may include one or more compressible protrusions (not shown). Any of eyelets 130 may be configured to accept the one or more compressible protrusions in order to adjust the overall length of elongated shaft 102. The overall length of elongated shaft 102 may be adjusted from about 80 cm to about 115 cm. Eyelets 130 and the one or more compressible protrusions may be longitudinally spaced from about 1.3 cm to about 2.5 cm apart with respect to each eyelet and each compressible protrusion.

Alternatively, first body 104 may be configured with a plurality of eyelets to accept an end insert 126 in order to adjust the length of first body 104, wherein end insert 126 may include handle 108 (not shown). Elongated shaft 102 may otherwise include both a first end insert and a second end insert, each similar to that of end insert 126. The first end insert may be configured to adjust the length of first body 104 and the second insert may be configured to adjust the length of second body 122.

In one embodiment, end insert 126 may be removable from first body 104 or second body 122, thus allowing a user to selectively exchange end inserts 126 for other end inserts 126, which may include different handle styles, grip styles, grip angles, feet, spikes, and the like. In this manner, a user may customize walking stick 100 to their preferred configuration, or for alternative tasks.

Elongated shaft 102 may include a reflective material to aid in visibility and serve as a safety precaution. The reflective material may be a reflective tape 132. Reflective tape 132 may be oriented around elongated shaft 102. Reflective tape 132 may be of any pattern or any color, including one or more of: black, red, white, yellow, orange, pink, blue, green, and purple.

Elongated shaft 102 may include one or more storage compartment. The one or more storage compartments may include a waste receptacle 134. Waste receptacle 134 may be about 7 cm to about 23 cm in diameter. Waste receptacle 134 may be about 14 cm to about 36 cm tall. Waste receptacle may be about 15 cm in diameter and about 23 cm tall.

Waste receptacle 134 may bisect first body 104 and second body 122. First body 104 and second body 122 may be attached to waste receptacle 134 through any of a variety of fastening methods, for example, by welding.

First body 104 and second body 122 may be reversibly attached to waste receptacle 134, for example, by mating of complementary helically threaded portions. Waste receptacle 134 may have one or more of a helically threaded inset and helically threaded protrusion (not shown). The one or more helically threaded inset may be configured to accept one or more of a helically threaded distal end of first body 104 and a helically threaded proximal end of second body 122, wherein the helically threaded distal end is opposite first end 106 and the helically threaded proximal end is opposite second end 124 (not shown). The one or more helically threaded protrusion may be configured to accept one or more of a helically threaded distal end of first body 104 and a helically threaded proximal end of second body 122, wherein the helically threaded distal end is opposite first end 106 and the helically threaded proximal end is opposite second end 124 (not shown). The helically threaded distal end of first body 106 may mate with the helically threaded proximal end of second body 122 to give a walking stick void the waste receptacle.

Alternatively, first body 104 and second body 122 may be of one continuous shaft and may pass through waste receptacle 134, wherein in waste receptacle 134 may rest on a cleft located on second body 122 to prevent waste receptacle 134 from falling (not shown). Waste receptacle 134 may include a hinged door to access the internal storage compartment (not shown).

Alternatively, waste receptacle 134 may include two pass through holes, one located in a top portion 136 and the other located in a bottom portion 138, wherein waste receptacle 134 may open longitudinally to accept and encompass the shaft (not shown).

Waste receptacle 134 may include a top portion 136 and a bottom portion 138. Waste receptacle 134 may be of any shape, including substantially spherical or substantially oval. Top portion 136 may be about 7 cm to about 23 cm in diameter. Top portion 136 may be about 7 cm to about 13 cm tall. In one embodiment, top portion 136 may be about 15 cm in diameter and about 8 cm tall. Bottom portion 138 may be about 7 cm to about 23 cm in diameter and about 7 cm to about 23 cm tall. In one embodiment, bottom portion 138 may be about 15 cm in diameter and about 15 cm tall.

Top portion 136 may be separated from bottom portion 138 by a junction 140. Junction 140 may include at least one gasket to restrict odorous gases from exiting. The at least one gasket may be comprised of a rubber material. A top gasket may line a top enclosure face 140′ and a bottom gasket may line a bottom enclosure face 140″, as shown in FIG. 1C.

Top enclosure face 140′ and bottom enclosure face 140″ may separate (146) to reveal one or more storage compartment within waste receptacle 134. The one or more storage compartment may include a removable waste receptacle insert in order to facilitate cleaning (not shown). The one or more storage compartment may house deodorizing wafers, pellets, or the like.

Top portion 136 and bottom portion 138 may be selectively held together when desired by one or more of an arresting element, such as a latch closure 142. Arresting element and/or latch closure 142 may be any of a variety of selectively engagement closure and/or latching elements, including for example, a magnet, a fastener, a hook, hook and loop material, a strap, a cable, a button, a cam action fastener, a clip, a bolt, and the like.

Latch closure 142 may include a nodule 142′, a looping component 142″, and a lever 142′″ Lever 142′″ may include a textured grip material. Alternatively, the arresting element may include a button release, a luer lock, snaps, clasps, hook and loop patches, and the like.

Waste receptacle 134 may include a hinge 144 located on a face substantially opposite latch closure 142. Hinge 144 may guide the opening of junction 140 in a parabolic motion, as shown in FIG. 1C. Hinge 144 may permit top portion 136 to move relative to bottom portion 138 about 90 degrees. Hinge 144 may permit top portion 136 to move relative to bottom portion 138 about 180 degrees. Hinge 144 may permit top portion 136 to move relative to bottom portion 138 between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees. Hinge 144 may permit top portion 136 to move relative to bottom portion 138 greater than about 45 degrees. Hinge 144 may permit top portion 136 to move relative to bottom portion 138 less than about 200 degrees.

Waste receptacle 134 may include an internal divider separating top portion 136 from bottom portion 138 (not shown). The internal divider may reside on top portion 136 and span top enclosure face 140′, thereby creating a top compartment in top portion 136 and a bottom compartment in bottom portion 138. Top portion 136 may include an external entry port 148. External entry port 148 may be configured to accept articles to be stored in the top compartment. Example articles may include bags, towels, wet-wipes, treats, gloves, and the like. The bottom compartment within bottom portion 138 may house the excrement-containing bags.

In practice, a user may bring walking stick 100 along as they walk her/his dog. The dog may defecate, after which the user may draw a bag from external entry port 148, place the dog excrement within the bag, and discard the bag inside waste receptacle 134. Upon encountering a point for depositing the waste bag (e.g., a trash can), the user may open waste receptacle 134 and dump the waste bag therein without having to carry it or otherwise handle it any more than is necessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 1D, handle 108 and/or grip 110 may be adjustable in angle. Handle 108 and/or grip 110 may be configured to pivot where handle 108 meets first end 106 of first body 104. Handle 108 and/or grip 110 may be configured to selectively pivot where handle 108 meets first end 106 of first body 104, such that a user can set the angle of handle 108 as the user desires for comfort, preferred use, and the like. A locking element (not shown) may be included in handle 108 and/or first body 104, configured to selectively allow adjustment of the angle of handle 108 relative to first body 104.

In one embodiment, handle 108 may be angled in any direction up to about 90 degrees. Handle 108 may be angled in any direction up to about 60 degrees. Handle 108 may be angled in any direction up to about 45 degrees. Handle 108 may be angled in any direction up to about 35 degrees.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate an example embodiment of a walking stick 200. Walking stick 200 may include all or some of the previously mentioned features described above for walking stick 100. All or some of the additional features described for walking stick 200 may readily be incorporated into walking stick 100. All like elements bear like reference numerals.

Walking stick 200 may include an elongated shaft 202. Elongated shaft 202 may include a first body 204. First body 204 may include a first end 206.

First body 204 may include a carabiner 205. Carabiner 205 may serve as an attachment point for a leash, keys, a water bottle, and the like.

Elongated shaft 202 may include a handle 208. Handle 208 may include one or more of a proximal end stop 209 and a distal end stop 211.

Handle 208 may include a grip 210.

Handle 208 may include a securing strap 212.

Handle 208 may include a hanging strap 213. Both ends of hanging strap 213 may be attached to a proximal end stop 209 of handle 208.

Handle 208 may include a marker 215. Marker 215 may serve to increase the visibility of the walking stick user. Marker 215 may be affixed to handle 208. Marker 215 may be a flag. Marker 215 may be a reflective unit, such as a mirror. Marker 215 may be a gaseous cylinder. The gaseous cylinder may release contents in the form of a visible smoke. Marker 215 may be detachable. Marker 215 may reside within handle 208 until needed. Marker 215 may protract from handle 208. Marker 215 may retract into handle 208.

Elongated shaft 202 may include a terminal end 221. Elongated shaft 202 may include a second body 222.

Terminal end 221 may include a foot 228. Foot 228 may be removable to expose a foot spike 229 to aid in traction, pick up trash, defend oneself, and the like.

Alternatively, second body 222 may include an end insert (not shown). Second body 222 may include a plurality of eyelets (not shown).

Alternatively, first body 204 may be configured with a plurality of eyelets to accept an end insert in order to adjust the length of first body 204, wherein the end insert may include handle 208 (not shown).

Elongated shaft 202 may include a reflective material to aid in visibility and serve as a safety precaution. The reflective material may be a reflective tape 232.

Elongated shaft 202 may include one or more storage compartment. The one or more storage compartments may include a waste receptacle 234.

Waste receptacle 234 may bisect first body 204 and second body 222. First body 204 and second body 222 may be attached to waste receptacle 234 through any of a variety of fastening methods, for example, by welding.

First body 204 and second body 222 may be reversibly attached to waste receptacle 234, for example, by mating of complementary helically threaded portions.

Alternatively, first body 204 and second body 222 may be of one continuous shaft and may pass through waste receptacle 234, wherein in waste receptacle 234 may rest on a cleft located on second body 222 to prevent waste receptacle 234 from falling (not shown). Waste receptacle 234 may include a hinged door to access the internal storage compartment (not shown).

Alternatively, waste receptacle 234 may include two pass through holes, one located in a top portion 236 and the other located in a bottom portion 238, wherein waste receptacle 234 may open longitudinally to accept and encompass the shaft (not shown).

Waste receptacle 234 may include a top portion 236 and a bottom portion 238.

Top portion 236 may be separated from bottom portion 238 by a junction 240.

A top enclosure face and a bottom enclosure face may separate to reveal one or more storage compartment within waste receptacle 234.

Top portion 236 and bottom portion 238 may be selectively held together when desired by one or more of an arresting element, such button release 242.

Waste receptacle 234 may include a hinge 244 located on a face substantially opposite button release 242.

Waste receptacle 234 may include one or more dispensing spindle 250. Dispensing spindle 250 may include an elongated tube 251. Dispensing spindle 250 may be attached to an interior ceiling or to an interior wall within a top portion 236. Dispensing spindle 250 may be configured to accept a roll of bags 252. Alternatively, dispensing spindle 250 may be configured to accept a variety of articles, including a roll of wet-wipes, sanitizing wipes, towels, and the like. Dispensing spindle 250 may include a retaining cap 254. Retaining cap 254 may be larger in diameter than elongated tube 251, such that roll of bags 252 is retained on elongated tube 251 of dispensing spindle 250.

In practice, a user may bring walking stick 200 along as they walk her/his dog. The dog may defecate, after which the user may draw a bag from dispensing spindle 251, place the dog excrement within the bag, and discard the bag inside waste receptacle 234. Upon encountering a point for depositing the waste bag (e.g., a trash can), the user may open waste receptacle 234 and dump the waste bag therein without having to carry it or otherwise handle it any more than is necessary.

To the extent that the term “include” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the interpretation of the term “comprising” when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When “only A or B but not both” is intended, then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural. As used herein, the term “about” means plus or minus 10% unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, the anatomical term “proximal” means a point situated nearer the point of attachment to the center of the body when the object in which it defines is in a position of intended use. Similarly, the anatomical term “distal” means a point situated away from the point of attachment to the center of the body when the object in which it defines is in a position of intended use. For example, a distal end of the first body means a point in which is opposite the first end and further from the point in which a user grasps the walking stick. Likewise, and a proximal end of the second body means a point in which is opposite the second end and nearer the point in which a user grasps the walking stick.

As used herein, the term “helically threaded” means an object with features resembling that of a screw and or nut. The term “helically threaded protrusion” means an object with features resembling that of a screw, and the term “helically threaded inset” means an object with features resembling that of a nut. A “helically threaded inset” accepts or mates with a “helically threaded protrusion.”

As used herein, the term “mate” means the joining of complementary components. As used herein, the term “tall” is synonymous to the term “length,” wherein “tall” refers to an orientation substantially parallel to the elongated shaft. As used herein, the term “diameter” may be synonymous to the term “width” with respect to an embodiment that is not spherical, oval, or cylindrical. As used herein, the term “void” means an absence of an object.

To the extent that the term “substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to take into consideration the degree of precision available or prudent in manufacturing.

While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown. Departures may be made from such details and examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. 

1. A walking stick, comprising: an elongated shaft comprising: a first body, the first body terminated by a first end; a second body, the second body terminated by a second end; a handle, the handle mounted on the first end; a foot, the foot mounted on a terminal end at or near the second end; a waste receptacle, the waste receptacle located medially along the elongated shaft and oriented between the first body and the second body; a top portion; a bottom portion; one or more of a storage compartment, the one or more storage compartment housed within one or more of the top portion and the bottom portion; an internal divider, the internal divider attached to the top portion and spanning a top enclosure face; and an external entry port, the external entry port located in the top portion; wherein the internal divider creates a top storage compartment in the top portion and a bottom storage compartment in the bottom portion; and wherein the external entry port is configured to accept one or more of an article to be stored in the top compartment.
 2. The walking stick of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft is at least partially constructed from one or more of: aluminum, titanium, magnesium, carbon fiber, fiberglass, an aramid polymer, and thermoplastic polyethylene.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The walking stick of claim 1, wherein the handle is substantially parallel to the first body.
 5. The walking stick of claim 1, wherein the handle is angled with respect to the first body.
 6. The walking stick of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises one or more of a securing strap and a hanging strap.
 7. The walking stick of claim 6, where the securing strap comprises a release element, the release element effective to unsecure the securing strap.
 8. The walking stick of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first body and the second body is hollow, one or more of the first body and the second body comprising: a plurality of eyelets longitudinally spaced; an end insert, the end insert comprising at least one compressible protrusions longitudinally spaced; wherein at least one of the first body and the second body is configured to incrementally accept the end insert; and wherein the plurality of eyelets mate with the at least one compressible protrusions effective to adjust an overall length of the walking stick.
 9. The walking stick of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft comprises a reflective material located on one or more of the first body and the second body.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The walking stick of claim 1, wherein the waste receptacle further comprises: a top gasket, the top gasket lining a top enclosure face of the top portion; and a bottom gasket, the bottom gasket lining a bottom enclosure face of the bottom portion; wherein the top gasket and the bottom gasket mate at a junction to seal the top portion to the bottom portion.
 12. The walking stick of claim 11, wherein the top gasket and the bottom gasket comprise a rubber composition.
 13. The walking stick of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism operable to expose the one or more storage compartment, wherein the mechanism comprises: a latch closure; and a hinge, the hinge oriented on a face substantially opposite the latch closure; wherein release of the latch closure allows for the top portion to separate from the bottom portion; and wherein the top portion is guided in motion by the hinge.
 14. The walking stick of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism operable to expose the one or more storage compartment, wherein the mechanism comprises: a button release; and a hinge, the hinge oriented on a face substantially opposite the button release; wherein compression of the button release allows for the top portion to separate from the bottom portion; and wherein the top portion is guided in motion by the hinge.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. The walking stick of claim 1, wherein one or more of: the first body comprises a helically threaded distal end; the second body comprises a helically threaded proximal end; and the waste receptacle comprises one or more of a helically threaded inset and helically threaded protrusion; wherein at least one of the helically threaded distal end and the helically threaded proximal end mates with one or more of the helically threaded inset and helically threaded protrusion.
 18. The walking stick of claim 17, wherein the helically threaded distal end of the first body and the helically threaded proximal end of the second body mate to provide a shaft.
 19. The walking stick of claim 1, further comprising deodorizing wafers housed within the waste receptacle.
 20. The walking stick of claim 1, further comprising a removable waste receptacle insert.
 21. A walking stick, comprising: an elongated shaft comprising: a first body, the first body terminated by a first end; a second body, the second body terminated by a second end; a handle, the handle mounted on the first end; a foot, the foot mounted on a terminal end at or near the second end; a waste receptacle, the waste receptacle located medially along the elongated shaft and oriented between the first body and the second body; a top portion; a bottom portion; one or more of a storage compartment, the one or more storage compartment housed within one or more of the top portion and the bottom portion; at least one dispensing spindle attached to an interior portion of the top portion, the dispensing spindle comprising: a retaining cap; and an elongated tube, the elongated tube terminated by the retaining cap; wherein the elongated tube is configured to insert into a roll of articles and the retaining cap secures the roll of articles onto the elongated tube. 